UPDATE: National Grid has just announced a controversial proposal to increase natural gas rates by an alarming 10 percent on average, intensifying the energy affordability crisis plaguing households across Massachusetts. This urgent development follows a similar request from Liberty Utilities, which seeks to raise rates in the Fall River area by a staggering 55 percent this year.
This rate hike is particularly troubling for residents already burdened by high energy costs, especially in environmental justice communities where families spend a disproportionate share of their income on energy. The reliance on expensive and volatile fossil fuels, coupled with outdated infrastructure, continues to drive up expenses for Massachusetts households.
Cynthia Mendes, Massachusetts director of Clean Water Action, criticized National Grid’s strategy, stating that the utility is prioritizing gas distribution over urgent decarbonization efforts. “Proposing a roughly 10 percent average rate hike that relies on fossil fuel infrastructure, when Massachusetts desperately needs decarbonization, amounts to fiscal malfeasance,” Mendes asserted.
The situation is compounded by the August 2023 order from the Department of Public Utilities, which ended ratepayer-funded subsidies for new gas line extensions. As a result, new customers must now bear the full cost of their connections, averaging around $9,000 per home. This policy shift is part of Massachusetts’ broader initiative to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
National Grid’s proposal raises serious concerns about affordability, as the utility acknowledges the challenges while simultaneously perpetuating dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets. The ongoing reliance on natural gas, with infrastructure dating back to before 1970, does little to mitigate the price volatility that Massachusetts residents have faced for years.
Instead of investing in new gas infrastructure, experts like Marvin Berkowitz from Needham advocate for a transition to proven heat pump technology. This shift not only reduces emissions but also stabilizes long-term costs for consumers.
With the stakes higher than ever, local leaders are urged to prioritize the state’s leadership on climate, strengthen commitments to clean energy, and ensure that efficiency upgrades are accessible to all residents.
The urgency of these developments cannot be overstated. As Massachusetts grapples with these potential rate hikes, the pressing need for a transition to renewable energy sources becomes clearer. Residents and advocates alike are calling for immediate action to ensure that energy remains affordable and accessible for everyone.
What’s Next: As this situation evolves, further discussions and potential regulatory actions will be critical. Stakeholders are watching closely to see how Massachusetts will navigate these challenges and what solutions will emerge to protect residents from escalating energy costs.
